Book Review: Batman Adventures: Nightwing Rising

Ty Templeton, Batman Adventures: Nightwing Rising. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2020. ISBN: 9781779507228.

 

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: children and young adult, Batman comics, superheroes

Format: small hardcover

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library 

 

Children grow up to be adults, and that includes Dick Grayson, also known as Robin the Boy Wonder. By now, Dick is becoming his own person, even questioning some of Batman's methods. He finally decides to leave, uncertain of his future. The one thing he is certain of is a desire to keep learning and training. So he travels the world seeking teachers, martial arts masters, and shamans. Meanwhile, back in Gotham, Batman and Batgirl deal with the Joker and the Riddler among others. 

This is an all ages comic based on Batman: the Animated Series and preserves the same art style. If you enjoyed that, you will likely enjoy this volume as well. The volume includes six stories. In addition to Dick's story of becoming Nightwing, we also get Tim Drake starting on his path to become the new Robin. 

The story is good with plenty of action. This is a very easy read with a positive note. If you want something lighter than the common dreary, dark, and often overwrought stories DC regularly cranks out, grab one of these volumes. They are certainly not just for kids. Sometimes you want to read something lighter and positive that does not need 20 crossovers to read the full story. This was overall a fun volume with good colorful art. It was a nice easy read. I will be looking for other volumes in the series. 

This is a good selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. 

4 out of 5 stars.